The strongest line of the window still points to Dayann Methalie. Reports suggest Sunderland remain in talks with Toulouse, with the player open to the move, but no fee has yet been agreed.
That matters because the alternatives being mentioned do not all fit the same profile.
If Sunderland have already seen a bid in the region of £28m knocked back for Methalie, then talk of £40m-£50m for another target feels like a different market entirely. For a club trying to be sharp rather than reckless, that is a big distinction.
The more intriguing link is Timothy Weah. Reports suggest Sunderland are monitoring the Marseille player, with the French club’s finances potentially opening the door to a lower-cost deal.
That is where the logic starts to build.
Versatility alone is not enough - Sunderland still need more punch on the right side - but Weah looks like the kind of market opportunity smart clubs try to spot before the price rises.
Ba’s stalled move is also part of the story. Outgoings can shape what comes next, especially when a club is trying to protect the core of the squad while adding genuine upgrades.
The next few weeks should reveal whether Sunderland can turn patience into progress. Watch the Methalie talks closely, and keep an eye on whether the Weah interest grows from a useful idea into a serious move.